What inspires you as a hairstylist?I like making people feel good about themselves and helping them express their style. Getting your hair done can be very therapeutic. It’s exciting to see someone leave the salon looking and feeling refreshed.

What’s your approach with new clients?Listen then discuss. A good consultation can go a long way. I want to make sure my client is comfortable with me and we’re on the same page about their desired hair outcome.

What’s the best hair advice you’ve ever been given?Express yourself.

What inspired you to become a hairstylist?I started as a receptionist at VAIN in 2009 and was quickly welcomed into the family. I had previously worked as a receptionist at a barber shop and then a sort of ritzy salon and neither felt right. At VAIN I felt like I was part of something bigger. We were there to provide the world with kickass hair and treated every person with respect and kindness.

As a receptionist, watching the stylists interact with their clients was so inspiring to me. The stylists seemed to genuinely care for their clients’ well-being and happiness and were truly inspired by their work.

I had always been interested in doing hair as a creative type but was disenchanted by the beauty industry. It felt soulless and money-hungry. It was clear to me that VAIN was about something very different. So I made some moves, went through school at Gary Manuel Aveda institute, and worked my way up! I’ve been licensed since 2011 and doing hair with a silly grin on my face (or concentrated brow furrow) since then, all thanks to VAIN!

Any notable hair experiences?I volunteered to do some free haircuts at the Orion Center once and it was amazing. They were prepping for job interviews and hair is a big part of that. You could tell they were so excited and confident and ready to nail their interviews. I even got a couple hugs!